O joy, o rapture! Metro has started random searches. Sounds like security theater to me, and I don’t intend to be a part of it. (Gladly, I walk to work and most shops.)
If you enter a Metro station where a screening is taking place — they come before the fare gates — you have the right to leave, which I’ll likely do. And I intend to have a copy of the following with me:
The Citizen’s Guide to Refusing DC Metro Searches
Spread the word.
I understand individuals not wishing to be searched, I can see that. I used to live in DC way way way before 911 and I felt nervous on the Metro as anyone could ride with anything and a bit of explosive could cause massive damage to my own person and several Government Building that I am partial too. So, given that, even as theatre, I am glad they are doing this. I’d prefer to ride under those conditions.
I’m a bit amazed that no one has tried anything. I figure the ‘terrorists’ should they exist would be smarter than me and I could see how it could be done.. A friend of mine worked in the Pentagon as security planner for Washington DC. He would not allow his wife to ride the yellow line under the pentagon. I figure I should be at least that careful with myself.
I would think a false sense of security would be a worse situation than an apparent lack of security. ThatÅ› the problem with security theater.
I wholeheartedly support you taking this stand. I am always glad to read your ethical and thoughtful perspective on things of this nature, but am especially proud of you. I know it’s an inconvenience to make this gesture — you might be trying to get from point A to point B in something of a hurry, so it could definitely be a cost in terms of time. I salute you for making the effort.